Rahul A. Patel was not injured.
By The American Bazaar Staff
WASHINGTON, DC: A 21-year-old Indian American man, Rahul A. Patel, from Newark, Delaware is behind bars for being allegedly driving drunk and hitting a bicyclist, killing him on the spot, in Ogletown, on Saturday night.
The incident happened around 8:30 p.m., according to a release issued by the Delaware police, and published by the News Journal.
Sgt. Paul G. Shavack said a preliminary investigation indicates Patel was driving a 2003 Honda Accord at a high rate of speed on westbound Del. 273 (Ogletown Road) and was approaching Ruthar Drive when he lost control of the car. The car traveled off the roadway onto the center median, rotated counter-clockwise and continued into the intersection, where the passenger side hit Eloy Sandoval, 44, of Newark, who was northbound through the intersection on a bicycle and was trying to cross Del. 273, reported the Journal.
Sandoval sustained multiple traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Patel was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.
According to the report, Shavack said that further investigation indicated Patel was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was taken into custody and was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Newark Post reported that Patel was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $20,500 cash bond.